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SADid you know about this hidden design in Barcelona?
It’s making the city safer and cleaner and cities worldwide are starting to copy it.
It’s called a Superblock or ‘Superilla’, and it’s a 3 by 3 block area, where car parks and roads full of traffic are transformed into parks and playgrounds, communities can gather and socialise, and nature can thrive.
Over 60% of Barcelona’s public space was designed for cars, creating dangerous air pollution and leaving little room for people to actually live.
But Superblocks completely changed that, and the results were incredible.
In the Sant Antoni Superblock, harmful nitrogen dioxide dropped by 25% and air pollution fell by 17%.
Over half of residents said their wellbeing improved, and 60% said walking feels more comfortable than ever before.
Local businesses were initially worried about losing customers, but retail activity actually increased by 30% as people spent more time in their neighborhoods!
Vehicles are also still allowed, with a 10mph speed limit, for accessing residences, as well as public transport, disabled access, and in emergencies too.
Barcelona is now planning to create 503 Superblocks by 2030, transforming one in three streets across the city, and cities like Los Angeles, Berlin, and Stuttgart are replicating their success.
Would you like to see Superblocks in your city?
#goodnews #barcelona #urbandesign
@sambentley
